A number of local licensed premises are offering free drinks this Christmas – but they aren’t alcoholic ones.

Dorset Police’s Lift Legend campaign has returned with 70 licensed premises offering free soft drinks to designated drivers over the festive period.

Drink and drug driving is one of the ‘fatal five’ causes of serious injuries and deaths on roads in South West England.

Last winter, Dorset Police arrested 319 people for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Lift Legend runs until Monday 1 January 2024. Drivers buying a soft drink in one of the participating venues will receive a voucher to get their second drink free of charge.

During the operation, Dorset Police will be using social media channels to raise awareness of the dangers involved with drink and drug driving, carrying out intelligence-led checks and engaging with motorists on the risks of getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or taking drugs.

Education operations manager at Dorset Police, Laressa Robinson, said: “If you think you are safe to drive after drinking or taking drugs, think again. Even the slightest amount of alcohol or drugs in your system increases the risk of causing serious harm to yourself or other road users.

“Despite long-term reductions, drink and drug driving still accounts for 15 per cent of road deaths and almost 10,000 casualties nationally each year.

“Tackling drink and drug driving is a priority for Dorset Police. Officers will be out in force throughout December, rigorously targeting those who are a danger on our roads, day or night.

“This vital work is complimented by the Lift Legend initiative, which encourages those heading out to a Christmas party or festive night out to plan their journey home and nominate a Lift Legend.”

Police and crime commissioner, David Sidwick said: “I am pleased to see the return of the ‘Lift Legend’ campaign for 2023. It is crucial we continue to hammer home the message about the dangers of drink driving and the damaging impact it can have not just on individuals, but also the wider community.

“This innovative campaign provides people with a practical solution by having a ‘Lift Legend’ designated driver and I would like to thank the businesses across Dorset who are supporting our efforts to help people get home safely this festive season.”

If you suspect someone has been drinking or has taken drugs and is about to drive, please dial 999 and provide the make and model of the vehicle, registration number and direction of travel.

For more information about the campaign or to find participating venues near you, visit: www.dorset.police.uk/LiftLegend